Divorced parents who live
Over the years I’ve learned that it isn’t the dollar amount of the gifts
in different states may
that make the holidays special. The most important things are the
have a little more difficult
traditions; spending time together, baking treats, and
time figuring out the
cutting down a Christmas tree.
schedule. My son goes to visit his dad and his
But we know that all kids love to open presents. The best
grandparents for his en-
possible thing you could do, is work with your ex regarding
tire winter break. I miss
holiday gift-giving. Try to follow these tips:
him terribly; I really want
• Don’t try to outdo each other when it comes to buying gifts.
him to be with me for the
How expensive an object is really isn’t that important. If
holidays. But then, after
you start playing this game, you’ll only end up hurting your
a couple deep breaths, I
checking account.
remember that he’s with
• Talk to your ex about what you plan to buy the children. The
me for forty-eight weeks
kids don’t need two of the same item. Make sure you’re both
out of the year. It’s ok
getting them something they’ll use.
for him to spend a White
• If your child would like a larger item that is not within your bud
Christmas in Minnesota
get, you could consider buying it with your ex. This would be a
each year.
great way to show your child that his parents are still able to work together and get along.
Gifts I love to buy Christmas gifts for my kids. If I had my way, I would
While we miss our children terribly when they’re not with us, it’s ok
buy all the hottest toys, new clothes, and also that new car for
to enjoy a little bit of “me” time. Plan to do some things that you
my eighteen-year-old. Then reality sets in. I need to budget my
always wish you had the time to do. These could be some projects
holiday gift giving, for my children and for everyone else on my
around the house, or a couple of really fat books you can dive into
list. I set aside a certain amount of money to spend on gifts for
with no interruptions.
my kids, and I stick to it.
www.northtexasmagazines.com
Diane O'Neil is a freelance writer and single mother of three.
November/December 2008
Allen Family Magazine
21